Digitalisation continues to be a central topic of our time – this is the result of the latest Digitalbarometer from the Bavarian Research Institute for Digital Transformation (bidt) of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities. The study shows a relatively high level of openness to new technical developments in Germany. Over 80 per cent of people consider digital skills to be important in their everyday lives. At the same time, a majority of 61 per cent state that too little attention is paid to the topic of digitalisation in Germany. The level of digital skills has risen slightly since 2021 and currently averages 57 points, compared to 55 points in 2021. The index value is based on the European DigComp reference framework and ranges from 0 to 100 points. Differences are particularly evident when looking at the life stages of people in Germany.
Summary of the study
Young people have high levels of digital skills – but are increasingly critical of AI
Pupils, students, trainees and other people in training have the highest digital skills (71 points) compared to people in other phases of life. However, there is no major change compared to 2021.
88 per cent of young people in training have already used generative artificial intelligence (AI) – more than twice as many as the other respondents. However, the comparison with 2021 also shows that young people’s enthusiasm for technical innovations has waned significantly and their view of the opportunities and risks of AI has become more critical. This shows a convergence with the German average. Study director Dr Roland A. Stürz demands:
The education system in particular is called upon to transform itself in such a way that it equips young people with the skills that are important for their future lives, rather than remaining stuck in old structures with outdated curricula.
Dr. Roland A. Stürz To the profile
More employees expect tasks to be eliminated
A majority of employees (60 percent) do not see their jobs threatened by digitalisation in the foreseeable future. in 2021, this view was shared by 14 percentage points more. The expectation that parts of professional activities will become redundant in the next ten years has increased, especially among those with a higher education and at least a university entrance qualification. 40 per cent of them expect individual activities to become redundant. However, hardly anyone expects a complete loss – regardless of their level of education.
A fundamental driver of digital change in the world of work is generative AI. However, the majority of those who expect parts of their jobs to become redundant due to digitalisation (54 per cent) do not see their professional future threatened by generative AI. A good half of them (52 per cent) also expect generative AI to make their work easier.
Older people: Motivation for digital training is crucial
As people retire and get older, their digital skills decline and are then considered less important by retired people. At the same time, retirees often feel overwhelmed when it comes to using digital devices or the internet. However, the data also shows that those who use the internet frequently in retirement are significantly less likely to feel overwhelmed and have higher digital skills than the average older person. Personal interest and support from family members and friends often play an important role in developing digital skills in old age. The authors of the study therefore see an increase in intrinsic motivation through concrete examples of use and positive user experiences as important approaches for the further education of older people.
Digital gaps remain a challenge for society as a whole
The distribution of digital skills in society in Germany continues to be characterised by major differences. In addition to the age factor, people with a lower level of education and income also have significantly lower skills levels.
“The gaps in digital skills continue to pose a major challenge for society as a whole,” says Dr Christoph Egle, Managing Director of bidt.
Germany needs more joint efforts to ensure that everyone can benefit from the digital transformation.
Dr. Christoph Egle To the profile
Further information and download of the study
To the short version of the study
To the detailed Fings report
To the reaearch project
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